In a rather surprising move, Rolex unveiled a revamped and re-engineered version of the Yacht-Master II. Although the original was discontinued in 2024 the Geneva-based brand decided to give the quirky watch another chance at life, while also making the user’s life much easier. 

Initial thoughts

The original Yacht-Master II was undoubtedly a polarising timepiece. People would either love the bulky aesthetics or instantly dismiss it as an unpalatable timepiece. Add to that the complicated Command Ring bezel programming sequence for the regatta timer and the result is a perhaps the quirkiest Rolex creation in modern times. 

Apparently the timepiece was performing well enough to warrant an encore. The Yacht-Master II was thus updated to include both Rolex’s latest innovations (such as the Chronergy escapement) and a revised user interface. 

In terms of aesthetics, the 44 mm timepiece is still hard to love at first, but definitely not as excessive as past versions. The biggest change was perhaps the shift to a regular bi-directional 60 minute click bezel, which replaced the cumbersome Command Ring system used previously. 

The ten-minute countdown markings were moved to a raised flange on the dial. The regatta minutes and seconds hands now turn counterclockwise, a suggestive way of approaching countdown. 

Although few Yacht-Master II pieces will realistically be used for yacht race timing, the complication can be as useful as any given chronograph. The new caliber 4162 retains the functionalities of the 4161, but narrows the countdown timer’s programming to just the two pushers. The pusher at 4 o’clock sets the period to be timed down (maximum is 10 minutes) while the pusher at 2 o’clock works as a start and stop actuator. 

The new generation will surely prove successful, as many clients have grown to love the particular Yacht-Master II aesthetic. With the watch being now easier to use and understand, this new generation will be sure to reach a high degree of  popularity. 

The Yacht-Master II second generation comes in two metal configurations, either in Oystersteel or in 18K yellow gold. My personal favourite between the two would have to be the steel version, since it features a red countdown seconds hand and a red-tipped minutes hand, which work well with the blue accents. The gold version is comparatively monochromatic. The watches will retail for $20,300 in Oystersteel and $57,800 for the yellow gold version.

Streamlined design

The second generation Yacht-Master II borrows the main elements of the first generation’s design,  such as the bulky crown guards, blue ceramic bezel insert and the small seconds at 6 o’clock. An interesting change comes in the form of hour indices, which are now the traditional Rolex dots, rectangles and triangle. 

Compared to the Explorer II, where similar white indices on white dial are used, here the indices are not that legible. However, the Explorer II uses black-coated indices filled with Super-LumiNova, so there is some contrast with the white dial background. Here the metals are matched to the case, resulting in a look that feels unfinished. The gold version is slightly better, as the indices are yellow gold themselves, creating some contrast.

Otherwise this Yacht-Master II is a serious improvement compared to the old version in terms of overall aesthetics. In a way, it looks as if the new version is a beefed up, complicated Submariner. Moving the countdown scale to the edge of the dial was surely an inspired choice, since the watch face is more legible. 

The old version had a central retrograde sector for the 10 minute countdown scale, which sometimes interfered with an easy and quick readout of the time. 

Updated mechanics

Apart from the improvement in overall aesthetics, caliber 4162 inside when through some extensive rework in order to accommodate a simplified programming sequence. Most of the regatta timer works are placed dial-side, meaning the core architecture of caliber 4161 didn’t change much. 

The new caliber looks almost identical to its predecessor, save for better finishing and notably the addition of Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration on the upper bridges. The core system works much like a chronograph, and caliber 4162 reminds a little of the 413x-series of chronograph movements used in Daytona models.  

There is also a flyback function of sorts, which engages when the 4 o’clock is pushed during a running countdown. The seconds hand flies back to zero while the minute counter indexes to the nearest minute marking. The feature is useful for actual regatta races, but perhaps not so much for more mundane tasks. 

The lack of a movement-integrated Command Ring bezel also makes the Oyster case theoretically easier to waterproof, although the Yacht-Master II remains only resistant to 100 meters.

Much like it has become the norm with the newer Rolex movements, the power reserve is rated at 72 hours and the frequency is the industry-standard 4 Hz. 

Key facts and price

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II
Ref. 126680 (Oystersteel)
Ref. 126688 (18K yellow gold)

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 13.9 mm
Material: 904L Oystersteel or 18K yellow gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 4162
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and regatta countdown timer
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Oyster bracelet in matching metal

Limited edition: No
Availability: From Rolex boutiques and retailers starting
Price: US$20,300 (Oystersteel), US$57,800 (18K yellow gold)

For more, visit Rolex.com.